Force Re-sign Veterans Gaines And Keys

ATLANTA (July 1, 2004)  The Georgia Force, of the Arena Football League, announced today the re-signing of two key free agents from last year's team. The Force have reached contract agreements with Defensive Specialist Kevin Gaines and Offensive/Defensive Lineman Marcus Keys.

It was important for us to re-sign both Kevin and Marcus for next season early in the free agency process because they are valuable pieces to what we are trying to build here with the Force, explained head coach Bob Kronenberg. They are both veteran players that have given this team a lot of leadership over the last two seasons.

GAINES (6-1, 205, Louisville) was named to the AFL's All-Arena Second Team this year after leading the Force in tackles (75.5); pass break-ups (13) and interceptions (4) adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery this season. A key member on special teams, he recorded 7 kickoff returns on the year gaining 64 yards, including a 47-yard return vs. Carolina on May 29 th . Gaines turned in his best defensive performances in the Force's last two games of the season setting a new team record for most pass break-ups in a game with 6 vs. Austin on May 23 rd and scoring two touchdowns vs. Carolina on a 14-yard interception return and a fumble recovery in the end zone. He was one of only four players to play in all 16 games this year. A seven-year veteran, Gaines has played with the Force for the past two seasons.

KEYS (6-3, 280, North Alabama) w as a mainstay and leader on the Force offensive/defensive line last season playing in 13 games, while collaring 13 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles. Over his four-year AFL career, he has recorded 57.5 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception. A former seventh-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 1996, Keys signed with the Force in 2003 as a free agent.